Shibu Tatsunokan

The water is very acidic, so the smell is strong, and moving between the three baths is a bit of a hassle. Bring a robe and it should be manageable. It's expensive, but the value makes sense. Nice bath.

A lovely traditional onsen, with natural spring water and both indoor and outdoor baths.

For me, this is the best hot spring I've visited, even though it isn't especially well known. I've been coming three or four times over the past few years, and I love the water quality. I also like Kusatsu, Manza, and Nasu, but this one is my personal favorite. If sulfur springs are your thing, I'd recommend it to other hot spring lovers, especially people who like hidden spots. I only came for day visits, so this is just about the hot spring itself. There are three baths set far apart, and changing clothes between them can be a nuisance, particularly for women. There's just one washing area, inside the indoor bath. I stick to the Shingen Medicinal Bath at the far end. I usually visit other places like Karasawa Onsen and Meiji Onsen too, so I don't need to wash there. The building is old and there aren't special services, so it may not suit someone looking for anything beyond good water. A day visit is a little pricey, but I think it's worth it.

That milky water and strong sulfur smell make soaking here such a pleasure. The alternating baths in the "Shingen Medicinal Bath" are especially great. I'm a huge fan of this place, and it's in my top three hot springs.